The 10 most beautiful places in the Hautes Pyrénées

Wondering what to do in the Hautes-Pyrénées? Where to go for a walk in the Pyrenean Massif? How to visit the Pyrenees by car? We take you to see the most beautiful places in the Hautes-Pyrénées, the most vertiginous passes, the most natural valleys, or even the nicest villages... Let's go for a walk to the unmissable sites of the Hautes-Pyrénées!

Photos of the article © Guide Toulouse Pyrénées, unless otherwise stated

Opening photo: The sumptuous Lac d'Oô, to be found in our article on 4 hikes to do around Loudenvielle

1) The Pont d'Espagne and Lake Gaube

The Pont d'Espagne spans the Lac de Gaube, downstream from the town of Cauterets. It is a magnificent and preserved natural site. A family walk around the lake will allow you to admire the Pyrenean peaks. You will also see waterfalls and waterfalls, nestled in this natural setting. With a length of 6 kilometers, it is without great difficulty. Parking is available.

Discovery of the Lac de Gaube and the Pont d'Espagne, unmissable sites in the Pyrenees.

Gaube Lake - Photo @Lesley Williamson

2) Heavy

Lourdes is a “sacred” city. If you don't expect miracles from its waters, you can still visit its world-renowned religious heritage! Every year, 6 million visitors enter this holy city. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Basilica of Saint Pius X are among the must-sees. There is also a castle and a museum to learn more about the history of the city. The funicular will take you up to the Pic de Jer, perched nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, to admire the panorama of Lourdes.

24 hours in Lourdes: discover the sacred city at the foot of the Pyrenees.

Visit Lourdes! Photos @ Lesley Williamson

3) The Circus of Gavarnie

The Cirque de Gavarnie is one of the most beautiful in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Carved by erosion since the Ice Age, it is particularly impressive. This site is even listed as a UNESCO heritage site. It has the advantage of being very well indicated and easily accessible. Each season gives it a special charm and is worth a visit. You can also discover the pastoral traditions, rooted in the Pyrenean culture.

Explore the Cirque de Gavarnie, a natural wonder of the Hautes-Pyrénées.

Cirque de Gavarnie - Photo @ Lesley Williamson

4) The Col du Tourmalet

The Col de Tourmalet culminates at 2115 meters. You can get there from the town of Luz-Saint-Sauveur or from the other side. If the panorama at the top is very beautiful, this pass is especially famous among cyclists, for the sporting challenge it represents. The Tour de France passes here and attracts many visitors. The ascent is quite difficult with steep drops.

Cycling up the Col du Tourmalet.

Col du Tourmalet - Photo © Georges Maurice | Adobe Stock

5) The Pic du Midi

With an altitude of 2877 meters, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre offers you a snowy landscape of great beauty. At the top, you can visit the Planetarium. Observations of the sky are possible there and conferences are held there regularly. Remember, however, to consult the agenda of the site beforehand. You can reach it very easily and effortlessly, thanks to a cable car. During the winter, unusual activities take place there, including ice climbing.

Pic du Midi de Bigorre: The Pyrenees at 360°!

Pic du Midi de Bigorre - Photo © Noogler | Adobe Stock

6) The Esparros Chasm

The Gouffre d'Esparros is a concretion cave in the Vallée des Baronnies. She is simply gorgeous. It is compared to a “crystal garden”. The atmosphere of these underground universes is always a little strange and cozy. It's a very relaxing trip. A guided tour allows you to understand this geological phenomenon and the works of nature.

The Gouffre d'Esparros, a fabulous underground crystal garden.

Esparros Chasm - Photo @Lesley Williamson

7) Lake Genos and Loudenvielle

Lac de Génos is a large lake of 32 ha, in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées. It is located near the ski resort of Val Louron. Around the lake, many activities are available. During the winter, the tour of the lake is a very pleasant walk and hikes allow you to discover the surroundings. The Balnéa center also allows you to relax and enjoy the benefits of the region's thermal waters. In summer, inflatable structures are installed to the delight of families. It is also possible to rent a pedal boat or canoes, to go for a ride on the water. The most unusual activities are paragliding over the lake or throwing axes...

Read our article which presents 4 ideas for hikes around Génos-Loudenvielle!

Loudenvielle Lake

8) Argeles-Gazost

Argelès-Gazost is a charming spa town. It is renowned for the benefits of its waters, coming from the Pyrenean peaks. She is dynamic and lively. A market is held there every Tuesday, where you will find local products. Located along the banks of the Gave de Pau, many opportunities for walks along the water or in its forests are at your disposal.

Visit the magnificent Parc Animalier des Pyrénées during your visit to Argelès-Gazost! Encountering local species and other more exotic ones, it's a wonderful moment of strolling and discovery, to be shared with the family. Marmots, Otters, Ocelots, Lynx, Pyrenean Bears, Lemurs and Makis Cattas, Raptors and other birds... All information on these species, their life and natural environment.

The Argelès-Gazost Valley and its essentials.

9) Hautacam

Hautacam is located in the Argelès-Gazost Valley. It is near the ski resort. It is a very fun tourist site, in an idyllic setting. This outdoor leisure park offers sports activities in all seasons. It is in summer that the site is the most unusual place. You can learn about summer tobogganing or discover its fleet of all-terrain vehicles, such as the "déval'kart" or the "sherpa", a scooter with big wheels. Thrill seekers will love it!

On the job in Hautacam: lots of thrills in summer!

10) Payolle Lake

The pretty Lac de Payolle is a very preserved natural area, nestled at the foot of the mountains. It is very close to the Col d'Aspin, ideal for beautiful walks. The forest surroundings are ideal for hiking and mountain biking. And you can even try your hand at dog sledding.! In summer, there are many activities. You can go fishing, canoeing, kayaking or pedal boating!

Autumnal walk around Payolle Lake.